BACK WITH THE X (ADV)
On its launch a year ago the X-ADV seemed – to many motorcyclists, at least – like another entry on a list of bizarre Honda models that few people understood or would buy. A scooter with off-road styling? A feet-forward, small-wheeled adventure bike? Surely it was just another crazy Honda creation that made little sense and would follow the DN-01 and Vultus by selling in tiny numbers before being quietly dropped and forgotten about.
But that’s not what happened at all. Instead, the X-ADV’s blend of chunky looks and maxi-scooter performance and practicality struck a chord with plenty of people. This was motorcycling’s first Sport Utility Vehicle – stylish, rugged, versatile and desirable. It ended up as Europe’s seventh best selling model last year, doubtless to the delight of Honda Europe’s Italian-based R&D team, who had come up with the concept and persuaded their Japanese
